For Immediate Release

Health Care for America Now and Partners Launch New Ad Campaign As Congress Nears Final Votes for Reform

Health Care for America Now (HCAN) – the nation’s largest health care campaign – along with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Catholics United, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are releasing a wave of television ads today urging Members of Congress to listen to us, not the insurance companies, and vote to pass comprehensive health care reform now. The ads vary slightly, with some telling those House members who voted for reform in November to keep standing up for us and some encouraging those who voted against reform in November to vote yes now.

The $1.4 million ad buy runs Tuesday through Friday and is scheduled to coincide with the expected vote on health care legislation by week’s end. Ads start running in 11 districts on Tuesday. Those are as follows: Jason Altmire (PA-04), John Boccieri (OH-16), Jim Costa (CA-20), Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24), Harry Mitchell (AZ-05), Scott Murphy (NY-20), Brad Ellsworth (IN-08), Earl Pomeroy (ND), Bill Foster (IL-14), Steve Driehaus (OH-01), and Alan Mollohan (WV-01). HCAN partner MoveOn.org is also sponsoring ads beginning Tuesday in PA-04, NY-20, and North Dakota for an additional $300,000. On Wednesday, six more ads will hit the air in new districts and run through Friday.

"Too much is at stake for health care reform to fail," said Chris Korzen, executive director of Catholics United. "Our elected officials face a simple choice: will they continue to allow our families to suffer at the hands of high-paid insurance executives, or will they help ease the burden by ensuring quality affordable health care for all Americans? Health care reform isn't a political issue. It's a moral responsibility that speaks to our nation's deepest values."

“After a year of debate, and decades of knowing that the system needs to be fixed, it’s time to put health reform to a vote to see who sides with the American people and who sides with the insurance industry. Let’s get this done – now,” said AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee.

“Last year, hundreds of thousands of American families saw their insurance premiums jump by double digits. Tens of thousands died because they lacked affordable care. Today alone fourteen thousand more families lost their insurance. Each story is an American tragedy, yet the U.S. Chamber and the insurance industry have made it clear that they will do whatever it takes to kill health insurance reform - and our families are paying the price. Enough. It's time for Congress to stand up to the insurance industry and the Chamber of Commerce and take a stand for American families who have waited long enough,” said SEIU President Andy Stern.

“We’re on the cusp of making history, and now is the time members of Congress must stand strong and side with us, not the insurance companies,” said Richard Kirsch, National Campaign Manager, Health Care for America Now. “The health insurance companies have unleashed their armies of lobbyists on Washington and have sunk millions into TV ads designed to derail reform, but Congress can and should ignore the corporate fear mongering and side with the American public. Our ads are a reminder to those who voted yes in November to continue to support reform and a reminder to those who voted no the first time around that they now have a second chance to do what’s right. America’s families and businesses can no longer wait for good health care they can afford. Congress must get reform done now.”

AFSCME's 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

AFSCME is the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. Our 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.